Celebrate the Lunar New Year
The Lunar New Year of the Horse begins on February 17, and South Granville’s celebrations are returning for the entire month of February.
The Year of the Horse symbolises strength, energy, confidence, and forward movement - a fitting theme as the neighbourhood comes together to welcome a new year filled with momentum and connection.
In recent years, over 300 people have come out to celebrate, meet the lions up close, and spend time exploring and shopping on South Granville. What began with just six participating businesses has now grown to more than fifteen, becoming a much-loved neighbourhood moment to kick off the Lunar New Year together.
What’s Happening & How to Get Involved
🧧 South Granville Exclusive LNY Gift with Purchase program | February 1-28
Red envelopes (hong bao) are deeply rooted in Chinese culture, symbolizing luck, prosperity, and blessings for the new year, warding off evil spirits. Luxury brands are now gifting branded hong bao to elevate the traditional gift, turning it into a collector's item that reflects the recipient's status and connection to the brand.
This year, we invite our retailers to provide customers with complimentary bespoke hong bao for retail purchases over $100 made in February - a simple, festive way to delight customers, show value for cultural traditions and encourage LNY spending.
The pre-packaged envelopes, designed by local Asian-Canadian artist Nicole Larsen (Ripple x Rise) are free for you to gift to your clients, available while quantities last. Order yours for your business today below from the South Granville BIA.
🐲 Host a Lion Dance at Your Business | February 28, starting 11:30 am at the Plaza
The Bak-Mei Kung-Fu Club will perform vibrant lion dances throughout the neighbourhood, bringing blessings of prosperity and good fortune to participating businesses.
The lions will visit each host location for a traditional blessing dance.
Fees are $150 inclusive of fees and gratuity.
Limited spots available - these tend to fill quickly.
🏮 Lantern Installation at the Plaza | January 31 - March 3
A glowing lantern installation will transform the plaza at Granville St × W 13th Ave, lighting up the pods and drawing visitors into the neighbourhood throughout February. This placemaking activation adds atmosphere, encourages wandering, and creates a strong visual moment for Lunar New Year in South Granville.
ORDER YOUR RED ENVELOPES
For the month of February, South Granville businesses are invited to participate in a complimentary gift with purchase program by the SGBIA. For purchases in February of over $100+, your customers may receive bespoke Lunar New Year Red Envelopes.
As supplies are limited, please only order as many as you’ll likely use.